Effects of resistance exercise and compression garments in the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effects of resistance exercise and compression garment usage on limb function and limb edema in breast cancer patients with lymphedema. We also examined the overall anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL) in patients who underwent resistance training. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial to observe the effects of resistance exercise and compression garment usage on limb function and limb edema in patients with lymphedema. From November 2022 to June 2023, 108 patients with breast cancer treated at cancer hospitals in Tianjin were randomly divided into the intervention group ( n = 49) and the control group ( n = 49). Results After the 8-week intervention, the mean difference between the limb circumference of the healthy and affected sides significantly reduced in the intervention group, but showed no significant difference in the control group ( P > 0.05). In particular, the difference in circumferential diameter difference at 10 cm and 20 cm on the elbow stripes was significantly lower in the intervention group ( P < 0.05). Before the intervention, the baseline anxiety scores showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion This randomized controlled trial focused on the effects of resistance exercise and compression garment usage in the treatment of lymphedema in breast cancer. Resistance exercise and compression garment usage reduced edema in affected limbs and improved anxiety in patients. However, they had no statistically significant effects on the functional status of the affected limb, which may be attributable to the small sample size of the study.